Global map settings
This page explains Global map settings in MapTiler Map Designer. You can find this panel as a third icon on the left side menu or use the Alt+S shortcut.
Worldview
The worldview section of the Settings allows changing map language, translation, units, and borders.
Language
The language menu contains many different world languages or a local option. Local is the native language of the country where the map feature is located. All MapTiler styles have the “Defined by style” option selected by default. This means there is a combination of languages selected by our cartographers.
If the data have different languages tagged in the name attributes, it will change with this setting. You can check this after clicking on a specific layer and switching to the Data tab.
Translation
To enable translation, you need to select a language for your map. You can then add labels in any other language under your initial language choice.
Units
Units allow switching between meters and feet globally. You will see this setting only if there are layers with units in your map. By default, Outdoor, Winter, Topo and Ocean map styles include it. This setting is visible in mountain peaks’ elevation or contours. MapTiler styles have the “Mixed” option selected by default. This means there are Feet used for the US, whereas the rest of the world uses Meters.
Borders
In the Borders settings, users can choose their preferred disputed borders view. More details can be found in this article.
Default view
The default view defines the initial rendering position of the map with the zoom level, latitude, longitude, tilt, and rotation. The default position of MapTiler maps is zoom level 1 with all other properties on zero.
If you want to have a map’s specific position as the default view, use the icon next to it (Set current view).
Zoom level
Zoom level defines the level of detail that can vary from value 0 to 22. Zoom level can be changed by scrolling in the map or typing it in the upper right corner. You can also use a set current zoom level button.
Latitude, longitude
Lat and lon coordinates define the center of the map. Both are measured in degrees. If you are not sure about the coordinates of a place, get them easily in our Coordinate Finder.
Tilt and rotation
You can tilt or rotate the map with your right mouse button or with the clock symbol in the upper right corner of the map.
Font fallback
In global maps, it is important to think about the font’s ability to draw different scripts. Your default font will switch to the fallback font in case of unsupported characters. We include Noto Sans and Serif in the drop-down menu as it supports Arabic, Cyrillic, Greek, Chinese, or Japanese scripts as well as Latin.
Conclusion
Settings (Alt+S) in MapTiler Map Designer allow users to adjust languages, units, or borders in their maps or change the initial map position based on zoom level, latitude, longitude, or tilt and rotation.
Next steps
Continue to Disputed borders on your maps to learn how to display the borders according to the selected country’s policy.
Useful links
Change language in a map
Disputed borders on your maps
Contours and mountain peaks in feet
Languages | MapTiler Planet schema